Ensuring skills are available in the right locations: are we there yet? A regional analysis of qualification gaps

Deniz Sevinc, Anne Green*, John Bryson, Simon Collinson, Bec Riley, Simon Adderley

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)
154 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Matching skills supply and demand is critical for economic growth, competitiveness and inclusiveness. Yet, measuring skills is difficult. This paper develops an approach for measuring the gap between demand and supply of skills at the local level in the UK West Midlands region. It uses qualifications as a proxy for skills. By comparing the projected supply of qualifications with the forecast demand for qualifications from occupational forecasts, the analysis reveals significant skill mismatches with potential to constrain regional growth potential. Policy implications for connecting skills, transport and housing policy as part of local industrial strategies are explored.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1149-1159
Number of pages11
JournalRegional Studies
Volume54
Issue number8
Early online date21 Apr 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Aug 2020

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors kindly thank the anonymous referees and the editor, who were extraordinarily helpful and generous with their comments and insights.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, © 2020 Regional Studies Association.

Keywords

  • UK
  • labour market
  • qualifications
  • regional economic development
  • skills

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Science(all)
  • Social Sciences(all)

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